Sharing Works
In the first
issue of Sharing Works, we asked you to share good news about your
community efforts—and many of you did!
And now, we want to share what you told us with all of our readers.
Thanks for sharing.
La Mesa Park and Recreation
Foundation, La Mesa, Calif.
From Yvonne Garrett, we learned that the La Mesa Park and Recreation
Foundation, in partnership with the city of La Mesa and the La Mesa
Spring Valley School District, began the last phase of construction
on the Junior Seau Sports Complex in La Mesa. The foundation raised
more than $1 million in corporate and private donations that were
matched with public monies to create the youth sports complex. This
is a first-rate example of collaboration and committed people. Congratulations
on your success!
Remedial Reading Center,
Los Angeles, Calif.
"We have an English-as-a-second-language (ESL) program, and,
when students complete it, they enroll into our job-training class,"
executive director Toni Laudermilk told Sharing Works. "Our
first satisfying project was a young mother from Guyana with two
children. We helped improve her English, taught her how to use the
Internet and type her first resume, and gave her instructions on
job searching," Laudermilk proudly noted. "She was hired
for her first American job, and our agency is working with her two
youngsters as well." What a great story!
Vista Boys & Girls
Club, Vista, Calif.
Teri Halliday, director of Development, and the folks at the Vista
Boys & Girls Club told us how proud they were when the club
was named as one of three groups to be granted a Little Padres
Park, a project of the San Diego Padres Foundation. Quite an honor!
Embrace Program, San
Diego, Calif.
We learned from Sean Sheppard, CEO, that the Embrace Program is
using television to boost its efforts. Great idea! Embrace is a
multi-cultural, school-based nonprofit group that teaches children
the importance of healthy lifestyle habits and diversity through
sports.
San Diego Armed Services
YMCA, San Diego, Calif.
Sandy Purdon and the crew at the San Diego Armed Services YMCA boasted
to us about their 5th Annual Big Bay July 4th Fireworks Show. "This
great event was voted 3rd Best July 4th Fireworks Show in the nation
in 2004 by AOL subscribers," said Purdon.
The Cameron Council
on Aging, Los Angeles, Calif.
Executive director Dinah Landry shared this good news with us: "We've
helped people over 60 with transportation, homemaker services and
many other life-sustaining services. We have helped over 150 people
to secure the needed medications they could not afford." It's
nice to know how much they're helping!
Sinfonia Mexicana,
San Bernardino, Calif.
Maurice Calderon, president of Sinfonia Mexicana, noted that this
group produces three to four concerts a year and that Sinfonia Mexicana
will celebrate its 20-year anniversary in October. Congratulations!
We know that everyone who's gone to one of these concerts
came away impressed.
San Diego Rescue Mission, San Diego, Calif.
"Our ongoing projects offer 12-month residential programs.
We're celebrating 50 years of service to the needy men, women and
children of San Diego this year," said Keith Hammond, public
relations manager. That's great. Imagine—50 years!
California Ballet Co., San Diego, Calif.
Nancy Daly reminded us that the California Ballet has just wrapped
up a successful 37th season of ballet productions in San Diego,
including the production "On Tour: Route 66," a dance-student
production with more than 300 students of ballet. That's really
something to brag about, Nancy! Congrats.
Marshland Festival, Lake Charles, La.
All the way from Louisiana, we heard from Steve Racca, president,
who said, "We help fund 12 school and church organizations
so they can reach their goals, such as sending FFA students to camp
and state convention livestock shows." Thanks for sharing, Steve.
Child & Family Guidance Center, Northridge, Calif.
We learned about a fine new program at this center in Northridge,
Calif., from Stella Atkinson, manager of Donor Relations, Major
Gifts. She told us, "We have started a Health Education Program
as an extension to our mental health treatment services for children
and parents. The health program focuses on nutrition, fitness and
obesity, and includes aerobics classes."
South Orange County Community Services Council, Orange County, Calif.
Lee Steelman shared with us that the council is celebrating its
first year on the Web. "Our first year recorded 20,000 visits
by people searching for appropriate social services. And, our Dental
Referral Program has helped low-income people whose ability to get
a job was threatened by lack of proper dental care," he said.
Great news, Lee!
Parkinson's Disease Association of San Diego, San Diego, Calif.
Good news came in from Donna Rex, too, who told us that, "On
May 14, 2005, the PDASD held a 5K Walk and Fun Run to raise funds
for programs and services offered to the 50,000 people in San Diego
County who feel the impact of Parkinson's Disease, and to support
research."
Home of Guiding Hands, San Diego County
"For the past 37-plus years, Home of Guiding Hands has provided
residential training and care to people with developmental disabilities,"
Sara Withrow, PR & Development administrator, told us.
Not only that, but, not long ago, the Home of Guiding Hands replaced
campus dormitory residences that housed up to 15 people with 28
community homes. Now, that's really good news!
Symphonic Jazz Orchestra, Los Angeles, Calif.
Another group that's giving back to the community is the Symphonic
Jazz Orchestra. Mitch Blackman, co-music director, told us that
the orchestra recently wrapped up its free Family Concerts at UCLA
and Community Outreach Programs throughout the Los Angeles area.
